The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has activated the Emergency Operations Centre for Lassa fever to improve response coordination in light of the disease’s growing cases.
The decision was made following a risk assessment undertaken by subject matter experts from relevant government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), stakeholders, and key partners.
A statement by the Director General, NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa explained that the risk assessment indicated a “High Risk” status for increased Lassa fever transmission and impact due to several factors, including a higher number of states reporting cases, high case fatality in confirmed cases, low index of suspicion among healthcare workers, healthcare worker infections and deaths, and continued attrition of essential healthcare.
‘’In 2023, a rise in the number of cases was reported from week 49 and associated healthcare workers infection over a period of three weeks. This upsurge indicated an early peak into the high transmission season nationally, although, this is usually seen from January to May annually. ‘’Cumulatively, 9155 suspected cases, 1270 confirmed cases and 227 deaths; Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.9% were reported for 2023 (across 28 states and 124 LGAs),’’ the statement read.
Comparing the situation report from January 7, 2023, to January 7, 2024, Dr Adetifa, said there was an increase in confirmed cases from 29 to 53, with fatalities decreasing from 8 to 6.
He further said the case fatality rate also decreased from 27.6% in the first week of 2023 to 11.3% in the same period in 2024.
Before activating the Emergency Operations Centre, Dr Adetifa, explained that measures were put in place by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the NCDC to prepare for the Lassa fever season.
These measures included issuing alerts on preparedness, readiness, and response activities at the state level, capacity building of healthcare workers across all geopolitical zones, and prepositioning and distributing medical supplies for case management, infection prevention, and control.
The NCDC DG said the Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre will coordinate a national response, particularly across affected states, with a one health approach to minimize suffering, reduce mortality, interrupt disease transmission, and address socioeconomic complications caused by Lassa fever.
Dr Adetifa urged all stakeholders to support this national response, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene.
He highlighted the significance of early detection and immediate presentation at health facilities to increase survival chances.